“Drag: The Musical” is a great time at the theater — you will have an absolute blast. This fierce production features a stunning book, music and lyrics by Justin Andrew Honard (aka Alaska Thunderf***), Tomas Costanza, and Ashley Gordon. In addition to co-creating it, drag queen Thunderf*** also stars. Men and women in drag, complete with wigs, gowns, rhinestones — oh, my, need I say more? — have a fabulous time on stage, and so does the audience.The energy in the theater was off the charts.
The musical tells the story of two competing drag clubs and the personal battle between the two drag queens running the clubs — Kitty Galloway, played by Thunderf***, and Alexis Gillmore, portrayed by Nick Adams, both fierce in their character portrayals. The musical has great numbers, talented drag performers, and an all-around entertaining company of people. It truly showcases the reason that people perform drag and shows you how everyone’s belief in what they like and what makes them comfortable is worthy of respect. This musical shows drag from the perspective of the performers, highlighting some of the circumstances that may bring them to it and validating their choices.
The cast is composed of superb thespians who have a glorious time on stage and were truly appreciated by a packed, cheering audience. The company of drag queens can belt out the tunes with jubilance and power, and they turn things out like nobody’s business.
This company features Lagoona Bloo as Tuna Turner, Jan Sport as Savannah St. James, Jujubee as the Tigress, Nick Laughlin as Puss Puss DuBois, and Luxx Noir London as Popcorn, who know how to wear wigs and fantastic costumes, and strut their stuff.
The production has a lot of funny moments, especially every time J. Elaine Marcos takes the stage as Gloria Schmidt/Rita LaRitz. Eddie Korbich is a riot as Drunk Jerry. Joey McIntyre is marvelous as Tom, Alexis’s brother. Yair Keydar plays 10-year-old Brendan, Tom’s son, and is fabulous! This is a role he alternates with Remi Tuckman.
The production is dynamically directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff, and with an ensemble cast that includes Cameron Mitchell Bell, Nicholas Kraft, Teddy Wilson, Christine Shepard, and Kodiak Thompson. The vivid, in-your-face elements and presentation are the work of a creative team that includes Jason Sherwood, scenic design; Marco Marco, costume design; Adam Honore, lighting design; Drew Levy, sound design; Domino Couture, wig design; Aaron Rhyne, projection design; and Aurora Sexton, makeup design.
Check out “Drag: The Musical” — you will be glad you “dragged” yourself and a friend to New World Stages on W. 50th Street. For tickets, visit www.dragthemusical.com.